When training camp begins in October, the New Orleans Hornets will have a strength that was virtually non-existent last season despite the team winning a franchise-record 56 games and advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

Michael DeMocker/The Times-PicayuneJames Posey, left, who agreed to sign a contract with the Hornets, battles with Jannero Pargo for the ball when the Celtics played at the New Orleans Arena in March.

They will have veteran depth at shooting guard and small forward after acquiring free agent James Posey, who agreed to a four-year, $25 million contract Wednesday.

Posey, 6 feet 8, who last season played with the Boston Celtics, can play both positions. He is an efficient perimeter shooter, a defensive stopper and quick enough to keep up with All-NBA point guard Chris Paul on fastbreaks.

Posey was the Celtics' top reserve, helping them defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals to clinch their first championship since 1986.

In 2006, Posey was a reserve on the Miami Heat's championship team that included former LSU star Shaquille O'Neal. Posey is a nine-year veteran, who averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds this past season for Boston.

"Leaving Boston was really a tough decision for James because he had a great experience there," said Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein. "But he made the decision early that if he left Boston, it would only be to a team that is a serious contender for a championship. The Hornets definitely fit that qualification."

With Posey, Hornets Coach Byron Scott will have various lineup options, which include starting Posey at shooting guard, with Morris Peterson, who started last season, coming off the bench.

As a small forward, Posey provides help in addition to starter Peja Stojakovic, who also can play shooting guard.

Last season, when Peterson struggled offensively, the Hornets had to stick with him. In February, the Hornets acquired Bonzi Wells in a trade with the Houston Rockets, but he was unable to provide much in the second-round series against the San Antonio Spurs.

Stojakovic also struggled in some games to make shots, causing the Hornets' lack of consistent play from the bench to be exposed. Posey also will help Scott ease second-year reserve Julian Wright into his dual role as a shooting guard and small forward.

In the playoffs this past season, Celtics Coach Doc Rivers relied on Posey to help limit stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

During the Finals, Posey made four 3-pointers in Game 4 to help the Celtics overcome a 24-point deficit and defeat the Lakers 97-91. In the playoffs, Posey made 35 3-pointers, which ranked behind Ray Allen's 55 and Paul Pierce's 43 for the Celtics.

Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower declined comment about Posey's contract agreement, citing the league wants him to refrain from speaking about it until the deal has been signed.

Posey had been the Hornets' No. 1 target since free agency started July 1. To guarantee they would have enough available money to make their push to acquire him, the Hornets traded the draft rights of Kansas forward Darrell Arthur, whom they selected with the 27th overall pick in last month's draft, to Portland in exchange for nearly $3 million.

However, when free agents could begin signing contracts last Wednesday, Posey was also considering offers from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and Celtics.

At that point, the Hornets' only signing was Paul agreeing to his three-year extension, which includes an option for a fourth year.

"Every now and then, you are able to get lucky and get the guy you want right away," Scott said last week. "But it really just doesn't happen that way."

The Hornets were one of the few teams willing to offer Posey a four-year deal beyond the $5.6 million per-season salary he would had received from the full mid-level exception.

Posey will average just more than $6 million per season, ranking him fourth highest on the Hornets' payroll just ahead of reserve guard Mike James, who is scheduled to make $6 million. The Hornets may look to pursue negotiating buy-out agreements for some players who have had limited roles but have high salaries that limit their trade potential.

Before Posey agreed to his deal, the Hornets' payroll was at an estimated $57 million. Meanwhile, the Hornets remain interested in trying to re-sign Jannero Pargo, who has received interest from at least four teams besides the Hornets. He is seeking a three-year deal.

The Hornets also could pursue acquiring a backup center/power forward. Center Chris Andersen, who visited the Celtics last week but was not offered a contract, might be re-signed.

Meanwhile, Bartelstein said Posey really likes the personality of the Hornets and the way they play.

"He likes the way they defend and how hard they play," Bartelstein said. "He wants to be able to help take them to the next level." 